Keane sends Rebel Rock to Punchestown Paul Keane sends out his first runner since relocating to Ireland when Rebel Rock leaves his Hugginstown County Kilkenny base tomorrow bound for Punchestown and the Eadestown Handicap Steeplechase at 2.10. Rebel Rock landed a gamble at Uttoxeter (7s into 3s) back in November, two and a half years after Keane had quit the training ranks in England. Keane trained a lot of winners cross-channel for the likes of Lady Clarke and after he handed in his licence Neil Mulholland (trainer of Gold Cup hopeful Midnight Chase and who rode for Keane) took over the operation. Keane who has mainly unraced jumpers in his care, trained Rebel Rock in England before the Denis Casey-owned nine-year-old went 'pointing' with Eugene O'Sullivan and won for him at Knockanard in the hands of Derek O'Connor. Interestingly the now Paul Nicholls-trained Watamu Bay (6th last time in the Welsh National) finished a never nearer third that day. After the Uttoxeter success Keane explained that Rebel Rock broke down after Knockanard and had a 70 per cent hole in his tendon. The horse was injected and had a long road back to recovery after. Keane was quoted in the Racing Post after Uttoxeter as saying: "A longer trip (2m 6f) and greater test of stamina will suit Rebel Rock. Heavier ground (soft then) than he had at Uttoxeter would be better." Shay Barry takes the ride on Rebel Rock in tomorrow's three miler (ground described as heavy) and he is a pound out of the handicap and will carry nine stone ten.
